The Woodend RSL’s mission is to support the well-being and betterment of our members, (serving and ex-serving men and women of the Defence Forces), and their dependants, with the provision of welfare and commemorative services and, where appropriate, contribute to worthy needs within the broader community. Woodend RSL also maintains a collection of heritage memorabilia.
Military collection focusing on local veterans
The light horse shoe carry pouch is not from World War 1, but is a later manufacture. British Universal Pattern(UP) 1902 as worn by horses in the Australian light horse, artillery, and horse drawn transport between circa 1902 and 1942. All light horsemen carried a horseshoe carrier (5 styles were used) containing spare nails and two horseshoes as standard issue, so that horses could be re-shod immediately if they accidentally cast a shoe.
L.I.L & Sons 1941
C.G.H.F ↑ ↑ s
↑WA Australia CGHF ↑
Standard issue blocked brown leather rifle bucket for attachment to the Pattern 1912 UP saddle. Rifle buckets were used by British and Commonwealth mounted troops from the First World War to around 1941. In the Australian Light Horse units their use did not become common until the end of the First World War. Prior to this rifles were carried slung across the rider's back.
light horse, 1941, rifle bucket, pattern 1912 up saddle
The WW1 Memorial Plaque - also known as the Death Penny or Dead Mans Penny - was awarded to personnel killed as a result of war. The Plaque was designed by Edward Carter Preston, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Over 1.3 Million World War One Memorial Plaques were issued. Plaques were awarded to the next of kin of those killed in action and were accompanied by a memorial scroll from the King. They came to be known as the "Dead Man’s Penny", because of the similarity in appearance to the much smaller penny coin which itself had a diameter of only 1.215 inches (30.9 mm). This WW1 Memorial plaque was awarded in the memory of 3638 Edward James Thompson. He served as a Private in the 60th Australian Infantry Battalion and was killed in France on 19 July 1916. The Plaque was provided to his mother, Florence Thompson, on 26 September 1922.
Circular bronze plaque. Relief and name of soldier KIA on front. No inscription or relief on obverse side.
He Died For Freedom and Honour. Edward James Thompson. Relief containing Britannia holding a wreath, an imperial lion and two small dolphins. E.CR.P., appear above the front paw
memorial plaque, world war 1, dead man's penny, edward james thompson, edward carter preston
The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP (37mm mle.1916) was a French infantry support gun, first used during World War I. TRP stands for tir rapide, Puteaux (fast-firing, designed by the Atelier de Puteaux). The tactical purpose of this gun was the destruction of machine gun nests. It was also used on aircraft such as the Beardmore W.B.V and the Salmson-Moineau. Fighter ace René Fonck used a 37mm mle.1916 on a SPAD S.XII.
Shell casing - Brass
On the base: PDPs 267 1.18 37-85 (there is a symbol of a flaming bomb between 18 and 37) On the side: "1917 BULLECOURT MESSINES NIEUPORT YPRES" On opposite side (in an engraved ribbon towards top of casing): K.F. KEATING
The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP (37mm mle.1916) was a French infantry support gun, first used during World War I. TRP stands for tir rapide, Puteaux (fast-firing, designed by the Atelier de Puteaux). The tactical purpose of this gun was the destruction of machine gun nests. It was also used on aircraft such as the Beardmore W.B.V and the Salmson-Moineau. Fighter ace René Fonck used a 37mm mle.1916 on a SPAD S.XII.
Shell casing - Brass
On the base: PDPs 267 1.18 37-85 (there is a symbol of a flaming bomb between 18 and 37) On the side: "1916 ROBECQ VIMY HAMEL BUSIGNY" On opposite side (in an engraved ribbon starting from the base): A-F-A- - - - 46th Bty - - K.F. KEATING
His regimental number was 10538. Kerin Francis Keating. DOB 27 March 1879 He was a driver in 46th Battery 12th Australian Field Artillery Brigade He was single with mother (Bridget Keating) and sister as dependents He left Australia on 05 January 1916. He was a telephone linesman prior to joining the army. Demobilised in Woodend 22nd December 1918.
Details from NAA - BUCHANAN REGINALD GEORGE : Service Number - QX11809 : Date of birth - 04 Nov 1911 : Place of birth - TOWNSVILLE QLD : Place of enlistment - TOWNSVILLE QLD : Next of Kin - BUCHANAN JEAN. Reginald Buchanan was allocated to Australian Army Service Corps and served between 15 May 1941 and 2 February 1944.
World War II enamel water bottle with leather harness, missing the felt cover.
Harness - ^ (Broad arrow) above J.E. Harness - QX11809 Harness - Stokes and McGown Pty. Ltd. Cork - D^D and QP
The item is representative of utility pouches in use in the Commonwealth forces in the mid 20th century.
Utility Pouch of rectangular web case. Of rectangular parallelepipped shape made of thick and sturdy fabric (canvas). The pouch is of faded olive colour.. Front view - Rectangular shape with overlapping closing flap with a press-stud fastener to maintain closed. Left and right views - Both sides are identical. Made of a one piece of fabric forming the base as well ("U" shape) Back view - Rectangular with metal hooks on the middle part for attachment to a belt. There is a Twigg buckle on the top part of the pouch mounted on another piece of canvass ending in a triangular shape. . Bottom view - ‘the fabric forming the base is also forming the sides of the pouch. Top view - closing flap overlapping on 3 sides and forming part of the back of the pouch. Inside view - The inside of the closing flap contains 3 small inserts (for special ammunition used in the firing of certain rifle grenade). There is excess fabric from the back panel that forms an additional layer at the base of the pouch..
Inside of closing flap: has a circular (round) stamp with the arrow symbol. On the inside of the press button stud (closing mechanism) is inscribed 'United xxxxx Canada" (second word is not readable) There is evidence of writing on the internal face of the back flap (just under the connection with the top cover) but it is not readable.
pattern 37, webbing
James Robb (born 1940) was an importer and manufacturer of all kinds of saddlery. References: Centre for Australian Art, 2020 http://www.printsandprintmaking.gov.au/impressions/31305/
Faded, mustard coloured woven strap with buckles on either end. Centre of strap has a thin leather belt loop attached. Buckles are attached with brown, rectangular leather strips which appear to be hand-sewn to strap in white thread. Two holes which appear to be for a buckle prong, are visible on one side above the leather buckle attachment. A row of machine stitched holes on this side suggests a rectangular, arrow headed strap was once attached.
J. ROBB MAKER HOBARTTOWN stamped into brown leather buckle attachments.
These trousers were owned by Matthew Calvitto. Matthew moved to Woodend with his family at the age of one. He commenced his career in the 56th Battalion Army Reserve unit. In 1999 or early 2000 he volunteered to join the regular Army. He was posted to the 6th Royal Australian Army Regiment, D company. His initial training was at either Shaulwater Bay or Conundra. After his training he served for 6 months in Timor, in either the second or third rotation. Matthew and the other members of the D Company received battle honours. Matthew was their forward scout, as well as a marksman, which you need to qualify for every year.
As an item that belonged to Matthew Calvitto, a local Woodend veteran who received battle honour for his service in Timor, these trousers have social and historic significance. The provenance of the item is know as it was donated by family members. The item is also represenantive of a type of military shirt that was issued to Army personnel during the late 20th century. The item is also in very good condition.
matthew calvitto, calvitto, woodend, 56th battalion, 6th royal australian army regiment, d company, timor, marksman
This shirt was owned by Matthew Calvitto. Matthew moved to Woodend with his family at the age of one. He commenced his career in the 56th Battalion Army Reserve unit. In 1999 or early 2000 he volunteered to join the regular Army. He was posted to the 6th Royal Australian Army Regiment, D company. His initial training was at either Shaulwater Bay or Conundra. After his training he served for 6 months in Timor, in either the second or third rotation. Matthew and the other members of the D Company received battle honours. Matthew was their forward scout, as well as a marksman, which you need to qualify for every year.
As an item that belonged to Matthew Calvitto, a local Woodend veteran who received battle honour for his service in Timor, this shirt has social and historic significance. The provenance of the item is know as it was donated by family members. The item is also represenantive of a type of military shirt that was issued to Army personnel during the late 20th century. The item is also in very good condition.
Khaki short sleeved shirt with a short pointed collar and two front chest pockets. Each pocket is fastened with one semi opaque beige plastic button. There are seven identical buttons that fasten the front of the shirt. Each shoulder has an epoulette that fastens with one of these plastic buttons near the neck.
yellow D company 6th royal australian regiment. red a collectors item infantry or military police or 4th battalion, blue 1 royal victorian regiment.
matthew calvitto, calvitto, woodend, 56th battalion, 6th royal australian army regiment, d company, timor, marksman
Well worn, dark brown wide leather belt with holster. Holster slides through a split in the belt to loop over and attaches with a clasp. Can carry 27 bullets.
Steel grommet in holster clasp - 'Stimpson' (manufacturer located in Florida, USA). Brass grommet inscription on reverse side: CARR S PAT AU3T 23608 Belt - handwritten (not all is decipherable, and may be incorrect) A315b?q LAC FANICH AVS?? 9SON
leather, holster, belt, ammunition, cartridge
This lanyard was owned by Matthew Calvitto. Matthew moved to Woodend with his family at the age of one. He commenced his career in the 56th Battalion Army Reserve unit. In 1999 or early 2000 he volunteered to join the regular Army. He was posted to the 6th Royal Australian Army Regiment, D company. His initial training was at either Shaulwater Bay or Conundra. After his training he served for 6 months in Timor, in either the second or third rotation. Matthew and the other members of the D Company received battle honours. Matthew was their forward scout, as well as a marksman, which you need to qualify for every year.
As an item that belonged to Matthew Calvitto, a local Woodend veteran who received battle honours for his service in Timor, this lanyard has social and historic significance. The provenance of the item is know as it was donated by family members. The item is also represenantive of a type of military lanyard that was issued to Army personnel during the late 20th century. The item is also in good condition.
Yellow and brown patterned lanyard. There is a loop at one end which is tied with a large knot, at approximately one third of the length of the item. Another small loop at the other end which is tied with a smaller knot.
matthew calvitto, calvitto, woodend rsl, woodend, 56th battalion army reserve unit, 6th royal australian army regiment, d company, timor, forward scout, marksman
Utility Pouch was a rectangular web case that was designed to carry three Bren 30 round magazines, or two Anti-tank Rifle Magazines, or Small Arms Ammunition, or a number of Grenades, or a Water Bottle. They were secured with a flap at the top, hinged at the rear, which was fastened with a brass stud fastener on a short web tab.
The object is representative of utility pouch/pouch for carrying magazine/ammunition and other items of equipment from the mid to late 20th century. The original design is the 1937 pattern web equipment.
Utility Pouch of rectangular web case. Of rectangular parallelepipped shape made of thick and sturdy fabric (canvas). The colour is of a pale shade of green. Front view - Rectangular shape with overlapping closing flap with a press-stud fastener to maintain closed. Left and right views - Both sides are identical. Made of a one piece of fabric forming the base as well ("U" shape) Back view - Rectangular with metal hooks on the middle part for attachment to a belt. There is a Twigg buckle on the top part of the pouch mounted on another piece of canvass ending in a triangular shape. . Bottom view - ‘the fabric forming the base is also forming the sides of the pouch. Top view - closing flap overlapping on 3 sides and forming part of the back of the pouch. Inside view - There is excess fabric from the back panel that forms an additional layer at the base of the pouch..
Handwritten on the back: 3/750133. DELVE S.J.E. On the inside of the closing flap: presence of very faded markings (unreadable)
Owner unknown. The entrenching tool was a standard issue to Infantry men during World War Two. Then entrenching tool cover held the helve of the tool on the outside and the tool was held on the inside. Soldiers regularly carried other items in the entrenching tool cover, for example shoe polish, rifle pull-throughs, shaving kit. The personal entrenching tool allowed soldiers to dig shell scrapes and holes when larger picks and shovels were either not appropriate or unavailable. The pattern of the entrenching tool cover was known as 37.
The entrenching tool was a standard issue item to Infantrymen in World War 2. The entrenching tool cover allowed for the storage of the tool on the inside and the helve on the outside. The 37 pattern used for this entrenching tool cover had a number of improvements from the previous pattern, including versatility of position when carrying on webbing. The 37 pattern was used by UK and Commonwealth Forces.
Kidney shaped webbing bag. Twigg buckles to allow for attachment to webbing. A longer strap and buckle on the front side to allow for the holding of the helve of the entrenching tool.
D (broad arrow) D indicating Department of Defence RMB 1945 Picture of Crown?
world war 2, entrenching tool cover
Olive green military individual equipment belt with twelve vertical rows of three brass eyelets. Each end has brass caps with a hook. Horizontal weave. Potentially from second half of the 20th century. Not necessarily complete. No markings
belt, pistol, equipment, web gear
This anklet dates to 1953 and may be associated with the Korean War (1950-1953).
This anklet web is an example of Australian military uniform dating back to the mid twentieth century.
Olive drab woven webbing anklet. The anklet is made of a rectangular strip of fabric which is straight along one edge and curved to fit an ankle along the other side. Outside of anklet: two buckles are stitched on with straps of woven cloth, one placed near the top of the anklet, one near the base. The opposite end of the anklet has two black leather straps which may be attached to buckles when worn. Leather straps are stitched on with black thread. Inside of anklet: lower third has a cotton, olive drab lining. Two leather attachments are stitched in along the edge of anklet to reinforce the curved seam.
J.1953 VOG. 4024 S.2 Australian military marking of D (arrow) D. L (arrow) 18
anklet, web, military, army, way, fashion, outfit, uniform, gaiter.
Representative of Department of Defence issued accoutrement possibly from WWII.
Silver fork issued by the Department of Defence.
Inscribed on handle 'D^D' (Department of Defence)
cutlery, department of defence, 'dad and dave' (coloquial term for department of defence), fork, army, army issued accoutrement, australian army, british army, ww2, wwii
Although manufactured in 1939 it may be possible that it was issued later during the Korean War (1950-1953) as the burn marks on the exterior sides may indicate the use of a hexamine stove which came into use by the Australian Army in the 1950's.
Representative of an army issued accoutrement from the Mid 20th Century which may have been used during the Korean War.
Well used military mess tin (aluminium), larger one of nest of two (smaller one missing) with flip over metal (carbon?) handle secured to short end by metal loop and rivets.
Inscribed to metal loop fastening flip over handle to tin is the maker’s mark ‘C&B Ltd. 1939’ and arrow insignia for ‘Department of Defence’.
cooking, hexamine stove, canteen, mess tin
Slouch hats were first worn by the Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1885. It was originally worn with the right side looped up to make it easier for marching troops to perform the “eyes right” command in parades but as more states adopted the slouch hat, it became more common to wear the left side turned up. The slouch hat was widely worn by Australian soldiers during the Boer War and it was universally adopted for the Australian Army after Federation. It was usually worn with a khaki hatband, known as a puggaree, and a Rising Sun badge on the left-hand side. The word ‘slouch’ refers to the sloping brim. The brim is made from rabbit-fur felt or wool felt and is always worn with a puggaree. The majority of the Australian Army wear the light khaki coloured puggaree, with a unit colour patch sewn on the right side, however, there are slight variations. The seven pleats in the standard puggaree represent each state and one for the Australian Territories.
The slouch hat is an object strongly associated with Australian identity.
Australian Army standard issue khaki fur felt slouch hat with leather chinstrap, commonly worn as part of a military uniform. Wide-brimmed with snap up latch on left-hand-side. Without Rising Sun badge or unit colour patch. 7 fold/pleat khaki cloth band puggaree around the hat. Dark brown leather sweatband, embossed with a gold stamp identifying manufacture as Akubra, date of manufacture as 1988, size 58, and a broad arrow to signify the hat is owned by the Australian Department of Defence. The slouch hat is also known as a hat KFF, or hat khaki fur felt.
headdress
